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Spanning forests bursting with energy, peaceful natural waters, bustling cities, and more, the tremendous terrain of the United States possesses a wealth of intriguing excursions, whoever the traveler.
While famed cities like New York and Los Angeles often strike minds as must-visit locations in America, it’s recently come to light that ten hotspots presenting Mother Nature and conventional beauty, in particular, hold extra allure for many.
According to a recent Statista report, the top-rated hotspots in the U.S. feature serene landscapes and natural wonders with a touch of city life (it is America, after all!). But which of these destinations are the cream of the crop?
Sedona’s Attractive Red Rock Scenery
Tucked amid awe-inspiring red rock formations, Sedona, Arizona, is the number one U.S. city that brings in diverse visitors annually wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Its epic landscapes, awash in hues from gold to ruby under the sun, are the backdrop to a town rich in recreation and history.
The natural beauty of Sedona is similar to none. Home to Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock to Oak Creek’s peaceful waters, these natural wonders are ideal for panoramic photo opportunities and breathtaking hikes (and not just because of the steep mountainous inclines!). The recently re-opened waterfall Havasu Falls is also more than worth the journey.
Interestingly, however, Sedona is more than just the ideal place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The city is a spiritual destination known for vortex sites, commonly touting mediation and healing events that all should try at least once.
The Natural Charm of St. Augustine, Florida
Secondly is St. Augustine, Florida, thanks to its sun-drenched charm. The city proudly stands as the oldest occupied European-established settlement in the United States, making it an ideal haven for history lovers wanting a peaceful, knowledgeable vacation.
The city’s historic downtown is an attractive delight of cobblestone streets featuring finely retained Spanish colonial architecture, where one can find the 17th-century castle Castillo de San Marcos.
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Nevertheless, St. Augustine has more to offer than its traditional legacy. It is home to the stunning Intracoastal Waterway, where a wealth of natural beauty can be explored, and numerous pristine beaches with clear waters and white sand.
Anastasia State Park is a favorite, offering not only picturesque beaches but a thriving wildlife scene.
Other must-visit places include the fascinating St. Augustine Alligator Farm and the intriguing Lightner Museum, stocked with Victorian gems. Be sure to also check out this new snazzy waterfront resort.
Diving into Destin’s Angling Allure
Next up in line is another gem in Florida: Destin. Celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and awe-inspiring beaches, the city offers numerous water activities, from snorkeling and paddleboarding to fishing.
The city is highly reputable for being the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village’, as affirmed by the annual Destin Fishing Rodeo, bringing in anglers from different corners of the world.
For this reason, it’s not hard to come by delicious seafood, with laidback beach shacks and high-end gourmet restaurants serving scrumptious marine cuisine daily.
The city’s deep-rooted history is available for exploration in the Fishing Museum and the Destin History, enabling tourists from across the globe to delve into the city’s famed fishing background.
Individuals a bit more ‘out there’ can enjoy Destin’s bustling nightlife, parting all night long at beach bars and disco clubs.
Other Popular Natural Splendors
Although Sedona, Arizona; St. Augustine, Florida; and Destin, Florida are currently the top three cities bringing in American citizens over their natural splendor, these seven cities are close on the tail:
In 4th place is Boston, known for its rich history and vibrant culture.
Best known as the ‘American Riviera’, Santa Barbara is 5th in line. This Californian city flaunts out-of-this-world coastal views, wonderfully-situated wineries, and sky-high mountains.
Then, there’s Florida again, but this time, the city bringing in tourists over its time-defying beauty is St. Pete Beach in 6th place. The clarity of its emerald waters pairs amazingly with its pristine, white sands, creating the perfect spot for those wanting to chill out without a care in the world.
Similarly, up 7th is San Diego, boasting sun-kissed coastal retreats and enticing seaside cliffs, alongside Chicago in 8th, which may be a thriving metropolis but is well-supplied with luscious green spaces, urban jungles, and lakefronts that bring in plenty of U.S. tourists each year.
Lastly, there’s New York’s Lake George in 9th place, the ideal paradise for hiking, camping, and boating, and, of course, the sheer power of Niagara Falls in 10th place, bringing in millions of tourists with its dramatic waterfalls and dream-like rainbows, mirroring a fairytale.
In essence, America provides numerous top-rated nature hotspots. These cities rank as the top ten choices for domestic travelers, validating that the nation’s charm extends beyond its active and highly reputable cityscapes.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com